Jul. 24, 2014
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Andrew Wiggins in a Summer League game on July 11. / John Locher, AP

by Sam Amick, USA TODAY Sports

by Sam Amick, USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers' signing of rookie Andrew Wiggins on Thursday was a necessary, if complicated, component of a possible Kevin Love trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The first overall draft pick is known to be a target of Timberwolves president and coach Flip Saunders in trade talks with the Cavs, and league rules stipulate that he can't be dealt for 30 days after the signing, which the team announced in a news release.

But because Love is owed $15.7 million next season and the Cavs would have to send back a similar amount of salary in a deal, it's key that Wiggins' possible part in it will now be attached to his $5.5 million salary for next season.

Had Wiggins been traded before signing, Minnesota would merely have had his rights and Cleveland would have had to find other ways to bridge that financial gap.

Now, the waiting game begins to see if Cleveland and Minnesota can find a common ground or if Saunders - who could agree with the Cavs in principle now and simply wait to execute the deal later - may prioritize a deal elsewhere.

The Golden State Warriors were previously seen as the front-runners for Love, but their refusal to include shooting guard Klay Thompson in the deal has changed that unofficial status. The Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are among the teams known to be pursuing Love.

Wiggins, a 6-8 forward, showed what he can do in the Cavaliers' four games at the Vegas Summer League, averaging 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks. He played one season at Kansas and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Conference, averaging 17.1 points and 5.9 rebounds.